Looking for a fun Halloween activity that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and/or math? Halloween STEM / STEAM Challenges are collaborative, brain-busting work disguised as fun!

The basic premise:

Students work in partners or groups against a list of criteria and constraints to build the longest “bone” bridge possible. This challenge goes beyond Halloween! Connect this to the skeletal system, bridges/transportation, and/or forces (specific ideas included).

Check out the video preview to see what is included in this resource (skip ahead to 2:35 to see what is included in the resource):

Note: If you are in a 1:1 classroom, you may prefer the
digital format, compatible with Google Slides ™.

Resource includes:

• NGSS aligned standards, Grades 2 – 8

• Teacher Tips:
  • Links to my 5-part video series on getting started with STEM challenges
  • Materials and timing
  • Criteria & Constraints (including modifications to increase difficulty for older students)
  • Measuring results
  • Universal STEM Challenge Notes & How to Use Student Handouts
  • Post-design extension activities list
  • Link to a video walk-through of the challenge

• Student Handouts
  • Criteria and Constraints list (editable version provided)
  • Design Analysis Handouts (Two sets & two versions: 2-page regular spacing and 4-page expanded spacing for primary students included for two different goals: length or length + weight held)
  • Discussion Questions

• Extension templates
  • Process flow map
  • Create & solve math problems based on designs
  • Bone Idioms activity template
  • Bridge Idioms activity template

Sample/suggested materials for each student or group:

(Materials you’ll need to do the activity are easily modified. You don’t need to provide all of the following materials. Select a subset and/or add in your own ideas.)

• Q-tips (30 – 50)
• Pipe cleaners (5 – 10)
• Popsicle/craft sticks (5 – 10)
• Penny (to measure gap constraint)
• Scissors
• Rulers/measuring tapes (tip: pick up paper measuring tapes from Ikea)

Optional:

• Straws

• String

• Cardboard

• Tape, cable ties

• Candy pumpkins or base-ten blocks for weights (if weight/capacity criterion is used)

This resource is also available in paperless format and as part of the Halloween and the Mega STEM Challenge bundles. Click through below:

Halloween STEM Bundle

PRINTABLE MEGA BUNDLE

If you prefer to purchase on TPT, click here. 

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